Troubleshooting - Craftsman 154.37816 Operator's Manual

WARNING
Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine to prevent
unintended starting. Before performing any type of maintenance/service,
disengage all controls and stop the engine. Wait until all moving parts have
come to a complete stop. Always wear safety glasses during operation or while
performing any adjustments or repairs.
This section addresses minor service issues. To locate the nearest Sears Service Center or to schedule service, simply contact Sears at 1-888-331-4569.
Problem Cause
Engine Fails to start 1. Blade control disengaged.
2. Spark plug boot disconnected.
3. Fuel tank empty or stale fuel.
4. Engine not primed (If equipped with primer).
5. Faulty spark plug.
6. Engine flooded.
7. Blocked fuel line.
Engine runs erratic 1. Spark plug boot loose.
2. Stale fuel.
3. Vent in gas cap plugged.
4. Water or dirt in fuel system.
5. Dirty air cleaner.
6. Blocked fuel line.
Engine overheats 1. Engine oil level low.
2. Air flow restricted.
Occasional skips 1. Spark plug gap too close.
(hesitates)
Idles poorly 1. Spark plug fouled, faulty, or gap too wide.
2. Dirty air cleaner.
Excessive vibration 1. Cutting blade loose or unbalanced.
2. Bent cutting blade.
Mower will not mulch 1. Wet grass.
grass
2. Excessively high grass.
3. Dull blade.
Mower will not self 1. Belt not installed properly.
propel
2. Debris clogging drive operation.
3. Damaged or worn belt.
4. Drive control out of adjustment.
High pullback effort 1. Pulling mower backwards before transmission
disengages.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Remedy
1. Engage blade control.
2. Connect wire to spark boot.
3. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
4. Prime engine as instructed in the Operation section.
5. Clean, adjust gap, or replace.
6. Wait a few minutes to restart.
7. Contact your Sears Parts & Repair Center to have fuel line
cleaned.
1. Connect and tighten spark plug boot.
2. Fill tank with clean, fresh gasoline.
3. Clear vent.
4. Run engine until it stops from lack of fuel. Refill with fresh fuel.
5. Refer to Air Cleaner in Engine Maintenance section.
6. Contact your Sears Parts & Repair Center to have fuel line cleaned.
1. Fill crankcase with proper oil.
2. Clean area around and on top of engine.
1. Adjust gap. Refer to Spark Plug in Engine Maintenance section.
1. Reset gap or replace spark plug.
2. Refer to Air Cleaner in Engine Maintenance section.
1. Tighten blade and adapter. Balance blade.
2. Replace blade.
1. Do not mow when grass is wet; wait until
later to cut.
2. Mow once at a high cutting height, then mow again at desired height or make a
narrower cutting path.
3. Sharpen or replace blade.
1. Check belt for proper pulley installation and movement.
2. Stop engine, disconnect spark plug boot, and clean out debris.
3. Inspect and replace belt.
4. Adjust drive control. See Drive Adjustment in Service & Maintenance section.
1. Allow the unit to roll forward slightly without the drive lever(s) engaged before
pulling backwards.
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